Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1538500
REGULATORY WORKING GROUP ©LoRa Alliance ® | LoRa Alliance ® , LoRaWAN ® and LoRaWAN Certified CM are trademarks of the LoRa Alliance, used by permission. The authors reserve the right to change contents without notice. All statements of LoRa Alliance in connection with regulatory matters are for informational purposes only. LoRa Alliance provides such information in its capacity as a stakeholder in the promotion and adoption of secure, carrier-grade IoT LPWAN connectivity and in the context of LoRa Alliance's LoRaWAN® standard. All such information is provided on an "as is" basis. Such information does not constitute technical or legal advice. Extending LoRaWAN IoT Connectivity to Satellite Networks 17 t h of July 202 5 The LoRaWAN® standard is the leading global IoT standard for secure, carrier-grade IoT LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) connectivity. This open networking specification is designed to wirelessly connect battery-operated 'things' to the internet in regional, national, or global networks. It includes key IoT requirements such as bi-directional communication, end-to-end security, mobility, and localization services. Operating in unlicensed radio frequency bands, LoRaWAN technology is known for its exceptional long-range capabilities (up to 15 km in rural areas), low power consumption, and the ability to securely connect a large number of devices to a single network through public, private, hybrid and satellite connections enabling a scalable and flexible network for diverse IoT applications. LoRaWAN use in unlicensed bands is indeed not limited to terrestrial connectivity. The existing ecosystem can be extended via satellites, as will be described in this document. Extending LoRaWAN IoT Connectivity to Satellite Networks The IoT industry is transforming connectivity, yet rural and remote areas remain underserved. Millions of IoT devices currently operate in urban regions, but the terrestrial telecommunication infrastructure leaves significant gaps in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Satellite-IoT solutions play a pivotal role in bridging this divide by providing cost effective and seamless coverage, enabling vital services in agriculture, environmental monitoring, utilities and other remote infrastructure monitoring, and marine. Moreover, they offer robust and resilient connectivity during disasters, supporting backup communications and facilitating use-cases such as early warning systems and assistance for disaster relief agencies. The success of LoRaWAN technology over terrestrial networks has now been expanded to satellite networks, and this expansion is possible in the same frequency bands in which terrestrial networks are deployed. Lacuna Space and Plan-S have already begun using LoRaWAN technology for addressing this connectivity challenge with their satellite networks. This enables connectivity for IoT devices anywhere to the Internet through satellite networks, unlocking new possibilities for IoT applications, IoT solution providers, and terrestrial LoRaWAN operators. Key Benefits of LoRaWAN Satellite Networks Extending the benefits of LoRaWAN technology in unlicensed bands to satellite networks unlocks new possibilities for IoT applications, particularly in remote and underserved regions. The key advantages of satellite IoT connectivity with LoRaWAN technology are outlined below: 1. Global Connectivity: LoRaWAN satellite networks provide seamless coverage, especially in remote and rural areas where terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable or insufficient. This ensures that IoT devices can operate effectively anywhere on the planet. 2. Cost-Effectiveness: By utilizing license-exempt frequency bands and low-cost devices, LoRaWAN significantly reduces deployment and operational expenses. This makes it an ideal solution for widespread IoT adoption, even in cost-sensitive applications. 3. Energy Efficiency: LoRaWAN technology's low power consumption ensures device battery life, ensuring sustainability for long-term IoT operations. This is particularly valuable in inaccessible areas where battery replacement is challenging and costly.